The World's Fastest Man: The Extraordinary Life of Cyclist Major Taylor, America's First Black Sports Hero

Journalist Kranish (The World's Fastest Man) weaves the fascinating and interconnected history of the rise and demise of professional cycling with the life story of African American cycling hero Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor (1878–1932), who acquired his nickname "Major" by performing stunt tricks on his bike while in military uniform. Taylor began his racing career in Indianapolis and endured racism in the forms of verbal and physical assaults along with being barred from races. Despite these barriers, Taylor, still managed to amass seven world records by age 26. However, Kranish maintains, the rise of the automobile contributed to Taylor's retirement and the rapid decline of cycling's popularity. Ultimately, a series of poor financial investments left Taylor penniless at the time of his death. Kranish's work complements Taylor's own autobiography, along with Andrew Ritchie's Major Taylor, Todd Balf's Major, and Conrad Kerber and Terry Kerber's Major Taylor.